Jen Nierva embraces role to help Chery Tiggo’s cause

Chery Tiggo Crossovers’ Jen Nierva during the PVL Invitational Tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jen Nierva is eager to contribute to the consistent and cohesive Chery Tiggo as they eye a second straight final appearance in the PVL Invitational.

Nierva, buoyed by her Alas Pilipinas stint, tallied 19 excellent receptions and 11 digs to help the Crossovers capture their second straight win with a 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 sweep of the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday.

Chery Tiggo, now at 3-1, tries to set another title game against PLDT when it battles Kobe Shinwa University of Japan on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 25-year-old libero was thrilled to reunite with her teammates after missing their runner-up finish in the PVL on Tour, hoping to make up for lost time this Invitational.

“Now my teammates are more consistent. We’re starting to figure out how to play better together. We’re not just relying on one player to score — it’s more of a team effort now,” Nierva said in Filipino.

“During the On Tour games, we saw that our system is working, our teamwork is improving, and the coaches’ program is really showing results…Hopefully, we can keep this up and show that same consistency in Friday’s game.”

Nierva, part of Alas’ silver medal run in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup, is bringing another fruitful experience to the Crossovers, armed with a more mature and composed game.

“I wouldn’t say things got easier, but my perspective definitely changed. There’s also a different sense of pride when you’ve played internationally,” said the former National University Lady Bulldog. “Now that we’re back playing in the PVL after our stint with Alas, I think there’s this responsibility to show what we’ve learned and how we’ve grown and to prove that all the work we’ve been doing is paying off.”

Nierva is also determined to share her leadership in Chery Tiggo’s ’no superstar’ culture.

“I think my role now is more about leadership on the court. Our team is full of really talented players, but someone needs to step up and lead consistently, someone who can spark that energy and bring out everyone’s full potential. Once we figure out how to connect all the individual skills we have, I believe that’s what will really make a difference for our team,” she said.